Abstract
This PhD thesis examines the phenomenon of temporary use in a contemporary Northern European
planning context. The background for the study is the increasing interest in initiating temporary use
projects within urban redevelopment by public authorities, such as mun icipalities, related sub organisations
and partnerships. In this context temporary uses are more than simple short-term appropriations
of vacant areas; they become tools for various planning agendas—to establish new collaborative
practices, transform spaces, test future facilities in ‘light versions’ and communicate with the public.
They embody a wish for ‘different’, exceptional and experimental initiatives to frame city making.
While being considered ‘alternative’ urban development tools, there is also a strong desire from the
side of the authorities for these initiatives to be well integrated into offi cial planning systems and
long-term perspectives. This factor seems to hold some, if not confl icting, then at least challenging
aspects. Current research is inadequate to disclose what actually happens when integrating temporary
exceptions into urban transformation projects. I defi ne, document and explore these attempts as
permitted exceptions.
In this thesis I research the implementation of temporary urban spaces that are authorised, offi cially
launched by public authorities, based on three case studies, two from Denmark and one from the
Netherlands: a harbour transformation area in Køge, a vacant urban plot in Valby, Copenhagen and the
industrial site of a former sugar factory in Groningen.
I explore the assumption that while ‘temporary urban spaces’ contribute to an increasing multiplicity
of spatial expressions and practices, they not only challenge established planning procedures, but also
understandings and use of space. The study focuses on the various ‘shapers’ which affect the formation
and conception of temporary urban spaces in urban planning, in light of the visions expressed for an
area—the expectations and motives—and the everyday decisions made and spatial practices carried
out. The case studies are informed by different levels of practice involvement and explored through a
thematical set of theoretical lenses.
The central component of this inquiry is a case-based in-depth study of the temporary use spaces and
results in a set of new concepts describing spaces and practices within authorised yet temporary sites.
The study offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges and the potentials of transitional spaces in
today’s urban planning culture.
planning context. The background for the study is the increasing interest in initiating temporary use
projects within urban redevelopment by public authorities, such as mun icipalities, related sub organisations
and partnerships. In this context temporary uses are more than simple short-term appropriations
of vacant areas; they become tools for various planning agendas—to establish new collaborative
practices, transform spaces, test future facilities in ‘light versions’ and communicate with the public.
They embody a wish for ‘different’, exceptional and experimental initiatives to frame city making.
While being considered ‘alternative’ urban development tools, there is also a strong desire from the
side of the authorities for these initiatives to be well integrated into offi cial planning systems and
long-term perspectives. This factor seems to hold some, if not confl icting, then at least challenging
aspects. Current research is inadequate to disclose what actually happens when integrating temporary
exceptions into urban transformation projects. I defi ne, document and explore these attempts as
permitted exceptions.
In this thesis I research the implementation of temporary urban spaces that are authorised, offi cially
launched by public authorities, based on three case studies, two from Denmark and one from the
Netherlands: a harbour transformation area in Køge, a vacant urban plot in Valby, Copenhagen and the
industrial site of a former sugar factory in Groningen.
I explore the assumption that while ‘temporary urban spaces’ contribute to an increasing multiplicity
of spatial expressions and practices, they not only challenge established planning procedures, but also
understandings and use of space. The study focuses on the various ‘shapers’ which affect the formation
and conception of temporary urban spaces in urban planning, in light of the visions expressed for an
area—the expectations and motives—and the everyday decisions made and spatial practices carried
out. The case studies are informed by different levels of practice involvement and explored through a
thematical set of theoretical lenses.
The central component of this inquiry is a case-based in-depth study of the temporary use spaces and
results in a set of new concepts describing spaces and practices within authorised yet temporary sites.
The study offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges and the potentials of transitional spaces in
today’s urban planning culture.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|
| Udgivelsessted | Frederiksberg |
|---|---|
| Forlag | Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen |
| Antal sider | 372 |
| ISBN (Trykt) | 978-87-7903-755-7 |
| ISBN (Elektronisk) | 978-87-7903-756-4 |
| Status | Udgivet - 2016 |